TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR NATIONAL EXPERTS

Transcription

1 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR NATIONAL EXPERTS PROJECT: Building climate resilience of urban systems through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Latin America and the Caribbean. 1.0 Background Local expertise will be sourced where possible in place of international expertise in order to strengthen in-country capacity. National experts will report to the National Coordinator and will be required to: Collect data. Provide advice relevant to their field and develop implementation protocols if required. Guide the implementation of the relevant project interventions. Monitor interventions. In addition, the national experts must be experts in their field, ideally with experience in climate change adaptation, capacity building, and knowledge development. Additionally, they should have good knowledge and understanding of the climate change risks in the Latin America and the Caribbean region both current and future. They should hold a Master of Science degree and a minimum of 5 years experience or a Bachelor s degree and 10 years experience in their field of expertise. National experts need to be fluent in spoken and written English and Spanish to fulfil his/her tasks as applicable. The hiring procedures to be followed for both international and national experts must include a transparent and competitive process based on normal UNEP procedures. National Experts will be needed as follows: 1. In-country Financial Assistant 2. National Adaptation Expert 3. National Socio-economic Expert 4. National GIS Expert 5. National Urban Planning Expert 6. National Agricultural Expert 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Project Objective: To reduce the vulnerability of communities living in three medium-sized Latin American and Caribbean cities to the effects of climate change through the integration of Ecosystembased Adaptation (EbA) into urban planning in the medium- to long-term. 1

2 2.2 Project Components Component 1. Enabling environment for mainstreaming EbA into medium- and long-term urban development planning Component 2. Demonstration of urban EbA interventions in selected cities to enhance climateresilience Component 3 Knowledge and awareness of urban EbA throughout the LAC region. 2.3 Project Description (taken from Project Document) The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is the second most urbanised region in the world 1, with 80% of the population living in cities. Within the next two decades, this proportion is projected to reach ~85%, thereby ranking the cities of the LAC region among the fastest growing in the developing world 2. The rate of urban expansion is faster in small- and medium-sized cities relative to mega cities 3. In the medium-sized cities of San Salvador, Kingston and Xalapa in El Salvador, Jamaica and Mexico respectively rapid urbanisation occurs with limited urban planning. This has resulted in several socioeconomic problems, including: i) rapid and unplanned expansion of housing into areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters or otherwise unsuitable for settlement; ii) inadequate access to public services such as waste management, sanitation and refuse collection; and iii) unsustainable management and use of natural resources, particularly water. In addition to the problems described above, the rapid and unplanned expansion of urban areas in the LAC region has resulted in the degradation of ecosystems in wetlands, green spaces, agricultural land and forests located within and adjacent to urbanising areas. The effects of degradation of these ecosystems include: i) increased soil erosion as a result of reduced vegetation cover; ii) reduced infiltration of water in degraded watersheds and catchment areas resulting in reduced recharge of groundwater and an increased incidence of flooding; and iii) decreased water quality as a result of increased pollution and deposition of sediment in rivers and other water ways. The degradation of urban water bodies such as wetlands and rivers is further exacerbated by the inadequate management of urban waste, which results in the blockage of waterways and contributes to urban flooding as well as the incidence of vector- and water-borne diseases. The abovementioned effects of ecosystem degradation are a threat to the lives and well-being of urban communities in the LAC region through direct impacts of hazards such as flooding. Ecosystem degradation also decreases communities food and water security. The preferred solution is to reduce the vulnerability of urban communities in Latin American to climate change by catalysing a region-wide integration of EbA into urban planning. However, there are several barriers to achieving this preferred solution. These barriers include limited: i) institutional capacity of government authorities to integrate EbA into urban development planning; ii) technical capacity of government authorities and urban communities to plan and implement urban EbA; 1 North America is the most urbanised region in the world with ~82% of the population living in cities. 2 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division World Urbanization Prospects: The 2014 Revision, Highlights. Available online at: Accessed on 4 March Between 1990 and 2014, the global population living in medium-sized cities increased by~50% compared with ~34% for mega cities over the same period. By 2030, the current population of medium-sized cities is expected to increase by ~36% to 1.1 billion. 2

3 iii) coordination between and within government departments and institutions to implement and upscale urban EbA interventions; iv) local proof of concept and scientific research to demonstrate the benefits of urban EbA to policy- and decision-makers in the LAC region; v) public awareness of the benefits of urban EbA approaches; and vi) financial resources to implement urban EbA activities as part of municipal planning and budgets. 3

4 3.0 TERMS OF REFERENCES 3.1 In-country Financial Assistant The FA will ensure that all in-country financial and administrative issues are carried out according to UNEP standard procedures. He/she will make all the necessary administrative steps and financial transactions for local project outputs and activities to be delivered according to the established work plan. The FA will liaise with the AFO regarding project transactions, procurement, payments and contracts as well as reporting requirements. The FA will work on a part-time basis and report to the NC and the AFO. Responsibilities Ensure that the finance and accounting systems of the project are carried out according to UNEP financial accounting procedures, as defined by the AFO. Prepare revisions of the in-country budget and assist in the preparation of the local AWPs. Comply and verify budget and accounting data by researching files, calculating costs and estimating anticipated expenditures from readily available information sources. Prepare status reports, progress reports and other financial reports. Process all types of payment requests for settlement purposes including quarterly advances to the partners upon joint review. Prepare periodic accounting records by recording receipts, disbursements (ledgers, cashbooks, vouchers, etc.) and reconciling data for recurring or financial reports and assist in preparation of annual procurement plans. Assist in undertaking project financial closure formalities including submission of terminal reports, transfer and disposal of equipment, processing of semi-final revisions, and support professional staff in preparing the terminal assessment reports. Assist in the timely issuance of local contracts and assurance of other eligible entitlements of the project personnel and experts by preparing annual recruitment plans. Bachelor s degree in business administration, economics, development economics, finance, accounting or related fields. A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience including at least 1 years experience in a multilateral organisation. Demonstrated knowledge of project reporting and budget preparation, implementation, monitoring and adjustment. Proven experience in working and collaborating with GEF projects an asset. Experience in working and collaborating with governments and/or multilateral organisations. Knowledge of UNEP administrative and financial processes and procedures is an asset. Knowledge of UNEP financial system is an asset. Fluent in English and Spanish, including writing and verbal skills 4

5 3.2 National Adaptation Expert The National Adaptation Expert with proven expertise in policy development and adaptation to climate change will undertake the following activities: i. Develop training plans to improve local and national policy- and decision-makers understanding of EbA. The training plans will be developed using international best practices and lessons learned from adaptation projects in the LAC region. The consultant will then implement the training plans and run training sessions and workshops with local and national policy- and decision-makers. ii. Assist the Regional Coordinator with providing training on: a. The effects of climate change; b. planning, implementing and monitoring urban EbA in each pilot city; and c. The benefits of using EbA to adapt to the effects of climate change in urban areas. iii. Refine the training material and assist the Regional Coordinator with providing a "training of trainers" programme for subnational government. Qualification Post Graduate degree or higher in Climate change and development, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, marine or water resources management, Environmental Law, Planning or a closely-related field. At least 5 years of relevant experience preferably in the area of climate resilient integrated natural resources planning at national and sub-national levels ; Experience working with private sector/public-private partnerships especially on financing and operations for small, medium and multinational enterprises; Experience with project development, implementation and management. Familiarity with UN Environment/GEF projects is an advantage; Experience in the policy development processes associated with environment and sustainable development issues in the context of climate change risk; Work experience in an international organization is an advantage, as is knowledge of UN Environment policies and procedures. Excellent knowledge of the English language, with exceptional writing, presentation and communication skills; Proficiency in other UN languages is an asset. Competencies Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills; Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback; Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work; Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines; Comprehensiveness knowledge of Climate Change; IT literacy, familiarity with e-presentation techniques and ability to operate with on-line webbased applications 5

6 3.3 National Socio-economic Expert The National Socio-economic Expert will collaborate with the Regional Expert for 4 months to: a) Undertake assessments to identify the risks to the effects of climate change (Activity and 2.4.2); and b) Develop a community strategy and assist developing and implementing the additional climateresilient livelihoods (Activity 2.4.1). Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD level) in environmental economics or other related field; At least 5 years of work experience in the field of sustainable environment and good environmental governance, sound knowledge on climate change; Experience with a UN organization is an asset; Strong skills in the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets, database statistical data analysis and internet-based communication tools; Knowledge of climate change and its potential impact on Jamaica and a good understanding of issues in climate change policy, mitigation and adaptation both regionally and internationally would be an asset; Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory Competencies Experience in conducting research/analytical studies combined with capacity development efforts; Affiliation with recognized international think-tanks, applied research institutes and/or universities is expected; Demonstrated skills in drafting reports, knowledge and competencies/experience in policy analysis, capacity development and mainstreaming issues such as climate proofing, human rights and gender; Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work effectively with stakeholders with different backgrounds, including government officials and civil society 6

7 3.4 National GIS Expert The National GIS expert will work closely with Local Government Ministry, Regional GIS Expert, Adaptation Experts, local communities and local community representatives to: i. Collate spatial data on climate trajectories at the city level for Kingston. ii. Produce maps to show the worst-case scenarios related to urban development, climate-related risks and resource availability The National GIS Expert will be required to as follows: 4 months to collate spatial data on climate trajectories at the city level for Kingston; 4 months to produce maps to show the worst-case scenarios related to urban development, climate related risks and resource availability under conditions of climate change. Post Graduate degree in environmental science, GIS, geography or a related degree with five years of GIS database experience. Experience with a UN organization is an asset; Strong skills in the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets, database statistical data analysis and internet-based communication tools; Knowledge of climate change and its potential impact on Jamaica and a good understanding of issues in climate change policy, mitigation and adaptation both regionally and internationally would be an asset; Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory Competencies Create maps and graphs, using GIS software and data collection equipment. Perform research to obtain and expand existing datasets Gather and report on GIS data and determine how data sets are best utilized through GIS Compile geographic and demographic data from many sources Consult with external stakeholders to access censuses, fieldwork, satellite and aerial imagery, and maps Compile data for statistics to incorporate into documents and reports Build, manipulate, and update databases Enter new map data using cartographic principles Analyze and model relationships between geographic data sets Operate and maintain GIS system hardware, software, and peripherals Present information to clients and stakeholders in verbal or written format 7

8 3.5 National Urban Planning Expert The National Urban Planning Expert will assist the other technical consultants in the implementation of the EbA interventions at urban landscape scale in Kingston. He/she services will be required to as follows: 30 days in year 2 to provide guidance to the hydrologist and ecologist on the location of the interventions in Kingston and ensure the interventions fit into existing local plans. A post Graduate degree or higher from a recognized University in Urban Planning; At last 5 years experience working in a recognized Urban Planning organization specializing in community development would be an asset Experience with a UN organization is an asset; Strong skills in the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets, database statistical data analysis and internet-based communication tools; Knowledge of climate change and its potential impact on Jamaica and a good understanding of issues in climate change policy, mitigation and adaptation both regionally and internationally would be an asset; Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory 8

9 3.6 National Agricultural Expert The National Agricultural Expert will implement peri-urban EbA interventions related to sustainable agriculture in Kingston. Duration is for four months in the first year, two months in the second year and one month in the final year that includes two 5 days on the job training to local urban communities This will include: i. Designing and implementing sustainable agricultural practices to restore degraded ecosystems and ii. Assisting with the development of urban agriculture gardens in each pilot city. A Bachelor s degree or higher in agriculture science from a recognized university At least 10 years experience working in the field of expertise. Computer literate Experience with a UN organization is an asset; Strong skills in the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets, database statistical data analysis and internet-based communication tools; Knowledge of climate change and its potential impact on Jamaica and a good understanding of issues in climate change policy, mitigation and adaptation both regionally and internationally would be an asset; Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory 9